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Yoga offers a realm of healing possibilities that may be a great alternative or addition to western medicine. This is why Ebb n' Flow Yoga is thrilled that Theresa Murphy, a certified yoga therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, is now extending her wisdom of yoga through yoga therapy. Building on her 20 plus years of yoga experience, Theresa brings over 3000 hours of therapeutic one-on-one work with clients. Yoga therapy is yet another example of the studio's commitment to practice yoga - in all ways, always. Theresa recently sat down with us to share all about this new, exciting service.

Ebb n' Flow Yoga: What is yoga therapy?Theresa: Yoga therapy is not that dramatically different from engaging with one's practice in a yogic way, as opposed to a fitness-orientated approach to yoga. It is specifically geared towards healing. It usually involves a student wanting to heal a targeted injury or illness, through the lens and craft of yoga. This means working with the breath and mind, in addition to (and at times, outside of) the physical parts. I contact directly into the nervous system through meditation, sound, vibration, and other healing modalities. I work with the full scope of body, heart, and mind through my knowledge of yoga, the body systems, how they work, as well as how these systems interact with each other. In active partnership with my clients, we mend, heal, and define a relationship to an injury or whole person malaise.

Ebb n' Flow Yoga: How is yoga therapy different than physical therapy?Theresa: They can be quite similar and distinct, at the same time. Generally, a physical therapist makes all the decisions, plotting the plan for a road to wellness. In addition, many physical therapists reply on computer programs fro their treatment approach, based on diagnosis from a doctor. In yoga therapy, we use the lens of yoga - the subtle body and practices that go beyond just the physical realm. The client has a very active role in their healing process. Yoga therapy also encompasses all the tools of yoga, including breath work, meditation, visualization exercises. This is well beyond the scope of just muscles and bones.

Ebb n' Flow Yoga: What drew you to yoga therapy?Theresa: I believe the one-on-one therapeutic approach is the natural progression of yoga. It allows me to share yoga on a more personal level, with a specific purpose to heal, cultivate wellness, and maintain that wellness. Group classes often fall short of specific needs of an individual. Everybody's body is different. No two bodies are alike. The therapeutic approach is about your relationship with your needs. Just for YOU!

Ebb n' Flow Yoga: Who would most benefit from this?Theresa: Anyone with a nagging injury, who finds that group classes do not meet their needs, or might find some yoga practices to exacerbate their injury. In addition, those who suffer from whole body disease such as depression, MS, chronic fatigue, or fibromyalgia can benefit from transformative results based on this individualistic, yoga therapy approach. Lastly, anyone new to yoga, who suffers from a chronic injury or disease, can also benefit from yoga therapy. Yoga therapy can be molded around what one is already doing with a doctor or physical therapist, making all healing modalities more potent.

If this resonates with you, learn more about yoga therapy here. Better yet, book a session with Theresa today.